Thursday, February 27, 2014

Mac Baren Golden Extra



Tin Notes:
American pipe smokers will find this blend under the name of Golden Extra. The blend is 100% identical to Golden Blend it is just the name that is different in the USA. Since Golden Blend was introduced back in 1952 it has gained many, many fans all over the world – rightly so. The special selected brown Burley tobaccos, mixed with just a touch of golden Virginia, are carefully pressed and stored. The large slices are cut and partly rubbed up, which makes this blend easy to fill into your pipe. This slowly burning blend is very satisfying and you will enjoy the slight note of chocolate – a note that all good Burley tobacco produces naturally.

     Strength: Mild - Medium
        Flavor: Mild
         Taste: Mild - Medium
Room Note: Pleasant

The tin note was a combination of natural tobaccos. The brown Burley and golden Virginia aromas meld together into a wonderful scent. On the charring light and the true light there was a mild nuttiness from the Burley.  About a quarter of the way into the bowl the sweetness from the Virginia made its presence known. During the bowl a faint hint of chocolate wandered in and out of the flavor profile. Golden Extra burned to a dark gray ash with a little dottle at the bottom if the bowl. It stayed lit with no re-lights. This is a good smoking Burley blend and I would recommend Golden Extra. 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Dutch Masters Cherry

Pouch Notes:
Not unlike a masterpiece painted by Van Eyck or Rembrandt, this blend is distinctive. Toasted Black Cavendish forms the base for this blend with Bright Cavendish and Virginia added. A subtle Cherry flavor is applied for sweetness.

     Strength: Mild
        Flavor: Medium
          Taste: Medium
Room Note: Pleasant

The pouch note was of cherry, but is not overpowering like some blends. The tobacco seemed a little moist out of the pouch and required about 15 minutes drying time. On the charring light and true light there was a mild cherry flavor. The tobacco took several tries to get going, but once it was lit it stayed lit and burned well. There was no tongue bite. The flavor of the Virginia and Cavendish was not buried under the cherry flavor or any chemical taste either. I would recommend this blend to both Aromatic and Non-Aromatic smokers.